Shankupushpam:

 

1. Botanical Name - Shankupushpam.
2. Scientific Name - CLITORIA TERNATEA.
3. Family - FABACEAE, (PAPINONACEAE)
4. Types - They classify it as "Kakkan" (black-flowered) and "Vellai poo" (white-flowered).
5. Other Names - It is also known as "Kakkan Chedi", "Maamooli", "Kakkattan".
6. Useful Parts - Leaves, roots, and seeds.
7. Cultivation - Shankupushpam grows widely in all places among the hedges. It belongs to the creeper type. Its flowers can be seen in both blue and white colors. It is a vine that produces aerial roots. Shankupushpam is grown as a creeper. It is evergreen and grown for its beauty. It has thorny fruits. It is commonly used in traditional medicine as Shankupushpam contains white flowers which are used in making white Kakkan tea. Its flowers resemble a conch, hence the name Shankupushpam. Kakkan seeds have a pleasant aroma and a slightly bitter taste. Its properties include diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, analgesic, anti-convulsant, and anti-oxidant properties.
8. Medicinal Uses - When babies teethe, boil the leaves of Shankupushpam and Gingers together to relieve teething pain.

The leaves of Shankupushpam mixed with sandalwood powder become an effective body powder.

By grinding the leaves of Shankupushpam with a pestle, a mixture is made, and applying it to the skin provides a cooling effect, which relieves itching and other skin problems.

Shankupushpam leaves are dried in the shade, powdered finely, and sifted. It is then mixed with 200 ml of water, boiled until it reduces to 1/4th, and administered in doses of 1 teaspoon twice a day to relieve headaches.

Shankupushpam leaves are soaked in milk, dried, and ground into a fine powder. This powder, when consumed with milk in the morning and evening, cures diseases like tuberculosis, asthma, and cold.

Shankupushpam seeds are soaked in milk, ground with sugar, and taken to increase strength and energy.

Shankupushpam flowers are soaked in water, boiled, and administered to infants suffering from loose stools, indigestion, or stomach upset, along with buttermilk or rice soup.

Shankupushpam leaves, stems, roots, and flowers are ground with pepper and mixed with curd to treat white discharge in women.

Shankupushpam seeds, Indian gooseberry, and sugar are ground together and taken once a day to relieve constipation.

Shankupushpam flower powder, cumin powder, and sugar are taken with water to relieve fever.

Shankupushpam leaves and flowers are ground with coconut oil and applied to the head to treat hair fall and dandruff.

A decoction of Shankupushpam flowers, soaked in coconut oil, is applied to the head to cure head lice.

Shankupushpam flower paste is applied externally to relieve boils, rashes, and other skin problems.

Shankupushpam flower petals are dried and powdered. This powder, when mixed with milk and applied to the affected area, reduces swelling and pain.

Shankupushpam flowers are soaked in water, boiled, and the steam is inhaled to relieve nasal congestion.

Shankupushpam flower buds are soaked in water, ground into a paste, and applied externally to relieve joint pain and swelling.

Shankupushpam seeds are soaked in water, ground into a paste, and applied externally to treat wounds and cuts.

Shankupushpam seeds are soaked in water, ground into a paste, and taken internally to relieve digestive problems.